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3D Printer Buy vs Outsource Calculator
Decide whether it makes more financial sense to buy a 3D printer or keep outsourcing your prints to a service.
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Buy a 3D printer or keep outsourcing?
This calculator compares the total cost of owning a 3D printer (purchase price, materials, and maintenance) against paying a print service per job, over a chosen time horizon.
How it works
The tool adds up your printer purchase cost plus ongoing material and maintenance costs for the months you specify, and compares that total to what you’d pay a print service for the same number of prints. It also estimates the break-even point — how long it takes for owning the printer to pay for itself compared to outsourcing.
This is a general planning estimate. It doesn’t account for your time, learning curve, failed prints, or resale value of the printer.
Last reviewed August 2026